Preparations

Jack stayed at Elizabeth's well into the night. They curled up together on the settee making up for lost time. Both unable and unwilling to leave each other's side. Or stop showing their affections in the form of many tender, loving deep kisses. The kind they'd each been dreaming of.

Their desires began to get the better of them as Jack reclined her back onto the settee. He could easily lose himself in her and her affections. This was what he'd been thinking of while away. After long battles in the North, he'd return to his tent and think about her. What it would feel like to hold her and to kiss her again. He also thought about what was to come next. Something he was now realizing had not the best plan as they were now there alone for the first time together in month.

Jack sat up and pulled her into his lap, both trying hard to slow their labored breaths.

"Okay, we need to slow down," Jack said with a laugh. "At least I need to before I can't."

"I think that's wise… for us both." Elizabeth face blushed crimson at her confession.

"I'm sorry. I promise I'll be more careful. I'm still trying to convince myself that this is real."

"I understand. I'm feeling the same way," she sighed, rested her forehead against his. "Maybe we should come up with a plan."

"Plans are good," he smiled lovingly at her before quickly losing his resolve. The need to feel her lips overpowered all else.

In between loving and passionate kisses, they formed a plan, ready to start their future.

Elizabeth would wire her parents that morning, letting them know of their wedding in Hope Valley and how they'd be returning for a time while Jack was on assignment. She only hoped they be understanding about the decision.

Later, just as the sun began streaming through the windows, Jack looked down at a sleeping Elizabeth. He didn't want to wake her, especially since she'd only fallen asleep an hour or more before. However, he needed to make it back to town before all of Hope Valley awoke. He adjusted his body, trying to stand up without disturbing her at all. Yet she stirred, reaching for him.

"I should go," Jack whispered.

"No, stay," she groaned, curling up closer to him.

"I won't be away from you long. Trust me," he grinned. "You don't want Rosemary or Florence to see me here do you? It would be quite the scandal." They both laughed at the thought of poor Florence discovering them. She would be at her wits end with what she'd sure call, "the story of the century".

"I guess you're right," she sighed standing up. "Shall I meet you in town?"

"I have an idea. I need to get back to the jail and clean up a bit. I'll come back after and we can walk into town for breakfast together."

"Sounds wonderful." She stood on her toes to kiss him again. "The cleaning up and breakfast together." She giggled rubbing her hand over her reddened cheek. Jack's unshaved face had left an impression.

After a few more kisses, Jack managed to pull himself away. "I'll be back before you know it."

…..

There wasn't a single soul in sight as Jack walked onto the quiet town's main street. He couldn't keep from smiling. He was home. He'd spent the night with the woman of his dreams in his arms. He knew he probably should have just returned to the jail for the night, but he had no desire for such propriety. They had been careful and respectful. Besides, she'd be his wife soon enough.

"Jack Thornton!"

He stopped dead in his tracks at the familiar voice. Turning back to face the café, he smiled.

"Abigail!"

"I knew that was you!" She climbed down the steps and ran to him, giving him a great big hug. "What do you think you're doing sneaking in like this?"

Jack blushed. "I got in late last night and I was just…"

"Coming from Elizabeth's?" He nodded. "Good. I'm glad you two were able to have some time together before the townspeople descend on you," she laughed.

"My thoughts exactly."

Abigail hugged him again. As happy as she was to have him back, she was even more happy for Elizabeth.

"Can I make you some breakfast? On the house for our returning hero."

"Sounds wonderful, Abigail. I'm going clean up a bit and go back to get Elizabeth. See you soon?"

"I'll have the coffee ready!"

Jack walked the rest of the way to the old jail. This had been his home for many years. Bill had taken good care of it in his absence, but inside something was different. Jack looked over by the wood stove, missing his old hound and friend that use to occupy that spot. He'd lost a lot in the past few months. Along with Rip, there were a number of good Mounties he'd seen sacrifice their lives for the greater good. The weight of it all started to overtake him. He shook it off. Choosing to look at the shining light in the darkness. Elizabeth. The very thought of her had propelled him forward during some of the darkest nights and days in the North.

Once he was bathed, clean shaven and in an outfit other than his red serge, he grabbed his jacket and scarf to leave. He took one more look around his "home" and smiled. Soon, it would just be the place he worked. His home would officially be with Elizabeth.

…..

"So we're really doing this? We're getting married?" Elizabeth asked full of excitement as she and Jack walked hand in hand through town after breakfast.

"Only if you're sure. I don't mean to rush you. I just don't want to spend any more time not being your husband."

"I'm ready, Jack. I would have married you the day you left."

"Now you tell me," he rolled his eyes jokingly. Elizabeth giggled as she pulled him closer. Just as he was about to kiss her, he pulled back. "Come with me."

He took her hand and led her back behind one the buildings in town. Once out of sight he kissed her deeply, taking her breath away.

"So, where to first?" he said was a dimpled grin as they parted.

Breakfast had turned out to be very productive. Frank came in to visit with Abigail, giving them the perfect opportunity to discuss their plan to get married as soon as possible. Frank of course, was more than happy to assist them.

"It's about time," were Franks exact words.

Elizabeth thought about Jack's question. "Well, we've talked to Frank, Abigail said she would put together a small reception for us. So I guess the next thing would be to find…"

"Jack Thornton!" Rosemary's voice cut through the cold winter air.

"Never mind, she found us."

"Jack Thornton, you come here right now and give us a proper hello!"

Jack laughed at his eccentric friend. "Hi, Rosie. Good to see you!"

"Oh we've missed you! Not as much as this one here but still."

Elizabeth smiled. "You're right, Rosemary, no one has missed Jack as much as I have." She kissed his cheek, leaving a smile on his face.

Lee walked over and embraced Jack. "Welcome home, my friend."

"Thanks Lee! It's good to be home."

"I trust we have you with us for a while now?"

Jack and Elizabeth looked at each other. "Actually, no."

"What?!" Both Lee and Rosemary gasped.

"I have new orders I need to fulfill and..."

Rosemary stood there fit to be tied. "Now you listen to me, Jack Thornton, I watched this poor sad woman pine for you day after day while you were off playing hero! You cannot leave her again! Especially before you fulfill your first promise which was to marry her!"

"Rosemary, listen to me," Elizabeth cut in, gaining her dramatic friends attention. "He is leaving, and I'm going with him."

"You are?"

"She is, as my wife," Jack beamed with pride at the thought.

"Goodness, that's wonderful news!" She clapped her hands together. "Now, there's much to do to get you to hitched. I'd say we could have you two walking down the aisle in about oh, three weeks."

"Actually Rosemary we were thinking tomorrow."

"Tomorrow! Elizabeth dear, it simply can't be done!"

"Of course it can. Last I looked my dress was beautiful. Lets just finish up a few things on it and call it done."

"But I had such plans for the lace and the beading. Oh Elizabeth, the beading was going to be breathtaking! Fit for a wedding in New York, or Paris."

"It's a simple Hope Valley wedding, Rosie. The dress will be wonderful. I'm sure of it," Jack assured her.

"Really, Jack? What could you possibly know about fashion?" Rosemary huffed.

"About fashion? Nothing at all. But I do know that the dress you are making is for Elizabeth. So that means the dress will be wonderful simple because it's hers."

"But I…"

"Rosemary, please? You've said it yourself, I've waited long enough to marry this man. Help us make it happen?"

Lee nudged his wife, encouraging her to agree.

"Well, all right! Who am I to get in the way of true love? But I'll need you in for a fitting as soon as possible!" she pointed to Elizabeth.

"I'll be in later today, I promise. Thank you, Rosemary!"

The friends parted ways, as Jack and Elizabeth headed into the store to send a few telegrams.

Jack took one of the pieces of paper, writing a message to his mother.

"How do you think she'll take the news?" Elizabeth asked, a little nervous.

"The news that I'm home or that we're getting married?"

"That we're getting married."

"Happy, I'm sure. She told me when she was here last to "ride or get out of the saddle.""

"And now it's time to ride?" she giggled.

"Very much," he wiggled his eyebrows, making her blush.

"Okay, my turn." She sighed as she looked at the blank telegram paper. "I'm just not sure what to say."

"You know, I don't think you ever told me how they took the news of our engagement."

Elizabeth bit her lip while avoiding eye contact. "Oh well, they took it well enough."

"Elizabeth?"

"Oh, alright," she huffed. "Father wasn't exactly pleased, but Mother sent her congratulations."

Jack laughed shaking his head.

"Jack, I don't need his approval. I don't need or want anything from him. I just need you."

"You have me, Elizabeth. It's okay. Whatever we face in Hamilton we face together." He kissed her cheek. "But we do need to tell them."

"I know." She picked up the pen from the counter and started writing.

"JACK HAS RETURNED. GETTING MARRIED TOMORROW AND WILL BE COMING TO HAMILTON FOR HIS NEXT ASSIGNMENT. ALL MY LOVE. SEE YOU SOON. ELIZABETH"

"That should do the trick." She handed the paper to Mr. Yost. "Who else did you wire?" she asked noting the second piece of paper in Jack's hands.

"Mountie Headquarters. I'm inquiring on a place to stay once we're in Hamilton. Just in case conditions are less than we're hoping for with your family."

"Oh…" she gazed downward. There was nothing within her that was looking forward to seeing her parents.

"Hey, everything is going to be okay. Trust me, I will take care of you."

"I know you will. I love you Jack."

"I love you."